GIVING

Give to the Historical Society

The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society manages two museums, the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Hollywood, and is the caretaker of Old Boat # 2, the Ralph J. Scott. In addition, the LAFDHS owns more than 30 fire engines and 2,000 artifacts, some dating back to the late 1880s. All in all, it is one of the most remarkable collections of firefighting memorabilia in the United States.

Our success has been due to the generous support of the local community, caring individuals, and charitable organizations who recognize the importance of fire/life safety and education, not to mention the need to preserve the memory of those firefighters who died protecting the citizens of Los Angeles. Every gift, no matter how small, assists us in our mission to support the community as we do.

Even in uncertain economic times, the LAFD Historical Society has continued to remain a steady and resilient organization, with no change to our operations, hours or programs. In fact, several of our programs have advanced significantly, including but not limited to the the rehabilitation of Old Fireboat No. 2, the Ralph J. Scott.

Part of the reason we are able to continue as we do is because of people and organizations who believe in the history of Los Angeles, the fire service, and the importance of maintaining the memory of those firefighters who died so that others might live.

We continue to seek and solicit your assistance, via donations, living trusts, and other forms of support. Please look through the various options outlined in our website, or feel free to call us to organize a private tour and personal overview of the various projects underway.

Corporate Giving

Part of the mission of the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society is to share the history of the LAFD with children of all ages. We often are approached by children and adults who want to become firefighters. Others want to know more about the history of our city and department. Everyone who visits the Hollywood and Harbor Museums are inspired by what they learn.

As we continue to expand our facilities, we regularly release new hands-on exhibits and myriad programs designed to that teach our visitors problem solving, teamwork and critical thinking – skills vital for success in the present and future.

There is an excellent opportunity for organizations (both charitable and corporate) to contribute or invest in the future of the museum. The Ralph J. Scott rehabilitation program, in partnership with the Port of Los Angeles is just one example of a wonderful opportunity to both support the history of the city and department, and to gain long-term recognition in a new and remarkable museum facility.

Find out how your organization can partner with us to grow our programs. To learn more about our corporate initiatives, please contact us at:

Endowment & Planned Giving

The 27s Infinity Circle

The 27s Infinity Circle is a group of individuals who desire to create an everlasting impact on the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society to ensure that the history of the fire service is preserved and our children may discover a wealth of educational opportunities. The 27s Infinity Circle recognizes those individuals who include the LAFD Historical Society in a planned or deferred gift through their estate planning. Planned or deferred gifts include: bequest through a will, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust, gift of life insurance, real estate or other assets.

A well designed gift will not only help the LAFD Historical Society, but also help provide you with additional income, convert low income assets to higher income assets, help care for your survivors, avoid long-term capital gains tax, reduce estate taxes, and generate income tax deductions.

The LAFDHS has a variety of methods to assist in recognizing your support. Our 27s Infinity Circle Advocate will work with you in arranging proper forms of recognition that reflect your gift’s purpose and your preferences. Please be aware that if you prefer, gifts may be given anonymously.

Foundation Support

Turning Ideas Into Reality

In today’s complex and competitive social environment, every museum has an opportunity to provide solutions that promote education, curiosity, and the preservation of the artifacts important to the local community. The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society is committed to supporting the community with wonderful exhibits and educational programs.

We have lots of ideas. Lots. But without the direct assistance of the foundation community, those ideas will be limited to just that: ideas. With your help, we have the opportunity to change the landscape and to lead with innovative and exciting programs for kids of all ages and their families.

We’d like to speak with you further. We’ll provide you with more information on our focus for the community, our kids, and the preservation of the history of our great department.

Individual giving

Support Our Museums and Old Fireboat #2
Contributions from individuals to our General Fund help to keep the Fallen Firefighter Memorial beautiful, while also maintaining our two museum facilities (Old Fire Station 27 is a historic landmark and was once the largest fire station west of the Mississippi) as well as assisting in the restoration of Old Fireboat No. 2.

The LAFD Historical Society is a non-profit Public Charity (501c3).

We welcome gifts of any amount, a gift of $1,000 or more entitles you to exclusive Historical Society benefits. Click here for more information.

Gifts of $100 or more will be listed in the LAFD Historical Society’s Annual Report and receive a complimentary subscription to the LAFD Historical Society’s Newsletter.

During the coming year, our efforts to rehabilitate the Ralph J. Scott, also known as “Old Fire boat No. 2” will continue – and this is an ideal program for individual donors. Giving to the Ralph J. Scott rehabilitation effort will help our team put the longest serving fire boat in the U.S. in a permanent new display center, adjacent to Fire Station 112 in San Pedro, California. To learn more about the Ralph J. Scott, click here.

A great way to get acquainted with us is to become a member. To learn more about basic membership, you can download our application form by clicking here.